Climate of Biome

Between -20 and 30 degrees celcius depending on which part of the world the grassland

Climate:

Hot and muggy during the summer and cold during the winter. It's much colder in some parts of the world than in others for this biome.

Percipitation:

Is usually between 10-30n inches a year. There is a seasonal drought every year. These droughts allow many fires to break out

Plant Life

There are many different types of plants in the grassland biome; they span from buffalo grass, milkweed, stinging nettles, and much more

There is very rich soil that is good for supporting plant life

Soft stem give grass the ability to bend with the wind

Extensive root systems help keep animals from pulling the roots out of the ground when grazing. These root systems also allow only the grass above the ground to burn in a fire, leaving the roots unharmed so the grass can grow back quickly.

After a fire, the shrubs can reproduce very quickly

Animals

There are not many trees or heavy shrubs to hide many creatures, so there are many herds of grazing animals in the open landscape

The color of some animals blend in with the surroundings to protect them from predators

Many animals have adapted to become active at night to protect themselves from predators

Bison have adapted digestive systems that enables them to feed on grass

Over eighty species of animals live in this biome

There are over 300 species of birds that either live in or migrate too this biome also

Cooperation/Competition

Lions vs. cheetahs is an example of competition; sometimes the lion will try to steal the meal the the cheetah caught and killed

Snakes vs. hawks is another example of competition; the snakes and hawks compete over the field mice there are to eat

Predator/Prey Relationships

Owls prey on mice and other small mamals

Lions prey on Zebras

Cheetas prey on gazelles

Spotted hyenas prey on wildebeest

Additional Info

There are two types of biomes, Tropical Grasslands (Savannas), and temperate grasslands

Ecological Concerns

One threat to the grasslands is humans. There is an increase of urban areas that is cutting into grassland habitats

Global warming is another threat. If the amount of rainfall is altered too much, grasslands could easily be turned into deserts.

Endangered Species

West African Giraffe

Asian Elephant

Global Importance

Grasslands provide a feeding base for grazing livestock. The livestock can be used for fertalizer, leather, and other goods. Grassland is also the home millions of people (mosly poor).